User Reviews

Weaknesses: "Mirage" groupo is simply not as amazing as other Campi groupsets, With a mix of a "kind-of" touring triple crankset and road geometry, the bike feels like it competently does everything, while excelling at little.

Bottom Line:

I am a messenger in Denver CO, and have been riding road bikes while couriering for 3 years. Usually I rode older touring models that had the strength of hard models, but closer to a roadbike's geometry. When my 1991 Schwinn Voyagour's frame failed I found what I consider to be the single best mix of speed, reliability and strength in the 2003 Bianchi Eros. I ride 30-50 miles with around 500-1000 feet of climbing every day, and so far the triple crankset and more "aggressive" geometry of the Eros has left me speechless. Not only do I ride distance daily, but the Eros has held up while ridden over bumpy, pot hole infested downtown city streets. While I am accustomed to spending hundreds of dollars every several months keeping up older frames, this one has held out with minimal tuning (done by myself) and a few bucks tossed at the LBS for cables/BB inspections ect...

Let it be known that I despise "hybrid" style frames, but appreciate the durability and comfort of those models. For that reason, I believe that any commuter/beginner distance rider (randonneur, centuries, long commutes), or hardcore street kid, will feel at home with the Bianchi Eros. It's superb blend of mid-high components (including the wonderful Mavic wheels that are an incredible bang for their buck), geometry, steel frame, and triple crankset make it a surefire win for anyone looking to seriously start biking.

Weaknesses: The saddle (Bianchi Velo) is not a weakness, but for me, the width of the saddle is. My sit bones measures 150mm, the Bianchi Saddle is, I believe, 140. But for $699.00 there really are no weaknesses.

Bottom Line:

For what I paid, this is the best bike on the market, bar none. At the time I did not want to pay a lot for a carbon bike because I wasn't sure if I would stick with cycling. The sales person recommended a Specialized Alez, a Trek (?) and the Bianchi Eros. The Specialized and Trek were outfitted with Shimano Tiagra and 105 and the Bianchi with Campy Mirage. After riding all three, the difference was like day and night. For my money, the Bianchi won hands down. I've ridden the bike in many, many centuries over the past 18 months and I can tell you that the bike is rock solid and, with the right rider, can blow past the more expensive, name brand carbon frames. The Mavic Aksium wheels are especially noteworthy. Their hubs keeps you gliding for miles. The Mirage shifts are, in my opinion, on par with Shimano's 105s although the Mirage drivetrain makes some noise when shifting. But when Bicycle Village warrants the bike for as long as you own it, you can't go wrong. My bike is stock except for the tires, handlebar and seat post. I replaced the non-folding, wire bead tires with Performance's Forte, installed a 42cm carbon handlebar and installed a 350 carbon seatpost. Oh, one more thing, I also installed Mr. Tuffy tire liner. Not one flat with over 2000 miles. The result is effortless cycling.

The Bianchi EROS was my first road bike and I will always remember it as the bike that got my addicted to cycling. When I first bought it I was shocked by how good looking it was, especially b/c it’s Celeste (Bianchi light blue color). Maybe its just the color but the bike will definitely turn heads. I put about 60 to 80 miles on it a week and completed a century as well as a many other 60 plus mile rides. The Steel frame makes it very comfortable. That being said I don't feel like the bike is slow as I can outpace many of my friends on new carbon frames. The Campy Veloce components have been problem free, durable and a pleasure to use. This bike is perfect for someone who is new to cycling and looking to get serious or for someone who wants to get in better shape by riding distance. Out of all the bikes I have owned no other bike has a value like this one. I frequently choose to ride it over my BMC!

Weaknesses: Seat is not comfortable and replaced with Specialized Avatar.

Bottom Line:

If you enjoy any distance riding, you will quickly appreciate how smooth and comfortable this bike is. After riding almuinum frames, the Reynolds steel frame and carbon fork of the Eros, absorbs bumps, road imprefections, and chip seal asphalt like a sponge. Perfect geometry for any charity rides, longer distances, and flawless Camp drivetrain.

Similar Products Used: Test rode: Trek 1000 and 1500, sold my 2004 Specialized Allez. Aluiminum frames are great for racing, but after 10 miles you will appreciate the less jarring ride of quality steel with carbon fork.

Strengths: Marvelous century bike, all day comfort and performance. Great upgrade platform. Mavic wheels are still true and strong. Super value. Braze ons, pump peg for light touring.

Weaknesses: Mirage is just a shadow of the real Campi stuff. Impossible to tune, flimsy and imprecise. Very dissapointed that the frame failed as I had plans to upgrade the drive train. Cheap headset wore out quickly replaced by a Cris King.

Bottom Line:

I bought this bike because Outside Mag. featured it a best buy. I'm a big guy 6' 225lbs and my wife said it looked like I was riding a greyhound. The rear wheel fell apart on the second ride but no problems therafter. The mirage shifters died in a crash, replaced by Chorus. I had to replace the headset with a Chris King. I put thousands of happy miles on this bike until the frame failed behind the headset last year. I cannot bring myself to toss it out but replaced it with a new Waterford RST22 this year. Great bike and fond memories.